Mar-Bella Collection, a family-owned Greek hospitality brand, has announced the addition of Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa to its portfolio, marking the group’s first expansion into Crete, with a reopening slated for the 2027 season…
Located in Plaka, Elounda and overlooking the historic island of Spinalonga, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa joins the portfolio’s existing properties, MarBella, Nido and Avali in Corfu and Elix on the Greek mainland. The addition represents a natural next chapter in the company’s growth, bringing the brand to one of Greece’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
The resort features 117 rooms, suites and villas across 11 accommodation categories, all with sea views and most with private pools. Set across 35,600 square metres, the property combines contemporary design, a strong sense of privacy and easy access to the traditional seaside towns of Plaka and Elounda.
Image credit: Mar-Bella Collection / Cayo Elounda
As the newest member of the collection, the focus will be on bringing the guest experience and service philosophy in line with the wider Mar-Bella Collection portfolio, while preserving the distinctive character and appeal that has made the resort a favourite among luxury travellers.
Periklis Gompakis, Chief Commercial Officer, Mar-Bella Collection commented, “We are delighted to welcome Cayo to Mar-Bella Collection and to expand our footprint into Crete for the first time. Elounda is one of Greece’s most established luxury destinations and Cayo is a natural fit for our portfolio, sharing our commitment to authentic hospitality, exceptional locations and high-quality guest experiences. As we begin this new chapter, our focus will be on building on the resort’s strong foundations while introducing the service, experiences and thoughtful approach that guests have come to expect from Mar-Bella Collection, creating a resort that appeals to a wide range of travellers while preserving its distinctive character.”
Image credit: Mar-Bella Collection / Cayo Elounda
Guests will enjoy a choice of five restaurants and three bars, a spa retreat and a range of experiences including hiking, cycling, cooking classes, private cruises and excursions to nearby attractions such as Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. The resort can also host events, with a conference centre and wedding facilities on site.
Looking ahead, Mar-Bella Collection plans to introduce a carefully considered family offering, broadening the resort’s appeal while maintaining the exclusivity, privacy and high-end positioning for which the property is known. With dedicated adults-only and family zones, the resort is designed to cater to both couples and families, while a new kids’ club will complement the existing playground and further strengthen its family-friendly amenities.
Main image credit: Mar-Bella Collection / Cayo Elounda
